Dominant variables of dengue prevention: multivariate modeling of endemic areas

In May 2024, Bandung City recorded a triple Dengue Fever incidence rate compared to the 17th week of the same period in 2023. 3,468 cases of Dengue Fever occurred in Bandung, making it the city with the highest dengue fever incidence in Indonesia. Hence, dengue Fever prevention is mandatory, including in the elementary school environment. The high increase in the Dengue Fever incidence in school-age children is a sign that the elementary school environment is a potentially good place for Aedes aegypti to breed and rest. In this case, transmission also potentially occurs considering that Aedes aegypti bites at the same time as students study at school. The purpose of this study was to determine the dominant variables in dengue prevention in elementary schools in Bandung City. This quantitative study with a cross-sectional design approach had a research population of 476 elementary schools in Bandung City. The minimum sample was further taken using the Slovin formula, obtaining 59 elementary schools. In this case, primary data were collected through questionnaires, represented by 4 primary school components consisting of the principal, class teacher, school health officer, and janitor. Furthermore, data analysis used a Chi-square test with a significance level of 5%. The results showed that knowledge (p-value: 0.016), attitude (p-value: 0.036), motivation (p-value: 0.050), experience (p-value: 0.013), school condition (p-value: 0.020), perception (p-value: 0.040), and information exposure (p-value: 0.176) about Dengue Fever were associated with Dengue Fever prevention. The most dominant variable in this study was motivation with OR 95% CI = 7.576 (1.106-51.906). Hence, motivation needs to be formed through the right stimulus. Health education to increase knowledge as a stimulus also needs to be pursued to create agents of change for dengue fever prevention in the school environment from an early age.